Accessory Drive Belt(s)

The following procedures require the use of GM belt tension gauge No. BT-33-95-ACBN (regular V-belts) or BT-33-97M (poly V-belts).

If the belt is cold, operate the engine (at idle speed) for 15 minutes; the belt will seat itself in the pulleys allowing the belt fibers to relax or stretch. If the belt is hot, allow it to cool, until it is warm to the touch.

Loosen the component-to-mounting bracket bolts.

Using a GM belt tension gauge No. BT-33-95-ACBN (standard V-belts) or BT-33-97M (poly V-belts), place the tension gauge at the center of the belt between the longest span.

While holding the correct tension on the component, tighten the component-to-mounting bracket bolt.

When the belt tension is correct, remove the tension gauge.

Fig. Fig. 1: Adjust the tension on V-belts to 70-110 inch lbs.

STORM (EXCEPT 1.8L ENGINE)

See Figures 2 and 3

If the belt is cold, operate the engine, at idle speed, for 15 minutes; the belt will seat itself in the pulleys allowing the belt fibers to relax or stretch. If the belt is hot, allow it to cool, until it is warm to touch.

A used belt is one that has been rotated at least 1 complete revolution on the pulleys. This begins the belt seating process and it must never be tensioned to the new belt specifications.

Loosen the component-to-mounting bracket bolts.

Use a belt tension gauge (J-23600-B or equivalent) to determine proper belt adjustment; place the gauge at the center of the belt between the longest span.

Applying belt tension pressure on the component, adjust the drive belt tension to the correct specification:

For 1990 and 1991 vehicles, adjust the power steering pump belt to 145 lbs on vehicles with A/C or to 90 lbs on vehicles without A/C.

For 1990 - 1992 vehicles, adjust a new alternator belt to 140-180 lbs or a used belt to 110-150 lbs.

For 1992 power steering pump belts and 1993 vehicles, adjust the belt so that 22 lbs of thumb pressure produces the specified belt deflection at the center of the belt, between 2 pulleys. Under proper belt tension a new belt should deflect about 0.31-0.47 in. (8-12mm) or a used belt about 0.28-0.43 in. (7-11mm).

While holding the correct tension on the component, tighten the component-to-mounting bracket bolt.

The 1.8L engine uses a single serpentine drive belt for all engine belt operated accessories. The belt is automatically adjusted using a spring loaded tensioner. The tensioner is equipped with markings to help indicate belt stretching and wear. If the tensioner runs out of travel and belt slippage occurs, the belt has stretched beyond adjustment and must be replaced.

In addition to checking the tensioner markings, the belt should check periodically for damage. When inspecting the belt, cracks in the belt ribs are normal and should not require belt replacement. However, the belt should be replaced if sections of the belt ribs are missing. Belt fraying may be an indication that the belt is not properly aligned in the pulleys and if severe could require belt replacement. If a whining noise is heard around the tensioner or idle pulley assemblies, even after the vehicle is warmed on a cold morning, check for possible bearing failure.

Fig. Fig. 4: To remove the serpentine drive, use a 3/8 in. breaker bar or ratchet to rotate the tensioner and loosen the belt - 1.8L engine

Except for the 1.8L engine, loosen the pivot and anchor bolts on 1 of the belt's components, then pivot the component sufficiently to release belt tension and remove belt.

For the 1.8L engine, use a
3
/
8
in. breaker bar or ratchet to pivot the belt tensioner and release the serpentine drive belt, then remove the belt from the pulleys and the vehicle.

To install:

Position the belt over the pulleys.

For the 1.8L engine, pivot the tensioner and install the serpentine belt. Make sure the belt is properly aligned in all of the pulley grooves, then gently pivot the tensioner into contact with the belt. Do not allow the tensioner to snap into position or damage could occur.

Except for the 1.8L engine, adjust the belt tension and tighten the accessory mounting bolts.